Lesley Art + Design

1801 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Lunder Arts Center
Photo: Robert Benson courtesy of Bruner/Cott Architects
Background Image: Lesley Art + Design : Lunder Arts Center

Combining the rigor of an independent art school with the resources of a larger university, Lesley Art + Design has nurtured the creativity and shaped the careers of artists and designers for 100+ years. With an experimental and interdisciplinary approach, the college emphasizes small class sizes, studio-intensive mentoring, and access to high-profile faculty and visiting artists. Explore our BFA, MFA, and pre-college programs.

DEGREES OFFERED: BA, BS, BFA, MFA
ACCREDITATION: NASAD, NECHE

Hover over dots to see degrees offered and online availability.

MAJORS OFFERED:

Animation and Motion MediaBachelors Degree
Art EducationMasters Degree
Art HistoryBachelors Degree
DesignBachelors Degree Certificate
Digital FilmmakingBachelors Degree
Fine ArtsBachelors Degree

 

 

Graphic DesignBachelors Degree
IllustrationBachelors Degree Certificate
Interactive DesignBachelors Degree
Interdisciplinary StudiesBachelors Degree
PhotographyBachelors Degree Masters Degree
Visual ArtsMasters (low-residency) Masters Degree

MINORS OFFERED:

Animation and Motion MediaBachelors degree
Art HistoryBachelors degree
Book ArtBachelors degree
DesignBachelors degree
Digital VideoBachelors degree

 

Fine ArtsBachelors degree
IllustrationBachelors degree
Installation/PerformanceBachelors degree
PhotographyBachelors degree
Visual NarrativesBachelors degree

LEGEND

Certificate
Associates Degree
Bachelor's Degree

Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Low-Residency Masters
Masters Degree


Fully Online
Partially Online
Optional Online

FOUNDATION PROGRAM
In the foundation year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, students will reap numerous benefits, be immersed in an artistic community, explore areas of study beyond their comfort zone, and integrate those newly developed skills/knowledge into their artistic process.


This program is Residential.

UNDERGRADUATE COST OF ATTENDANCE 2023-2024
FULL-TIME  
TUITION $ 31,890
MANDATORY FEES 1,040
BOOKS & SUPPLIES 1,500
ON-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD 19,950
OFF-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD 12,600
OTHER 1,350
FINANCIAL AID 2021-2022 FULL-TIME FRESHMEN *
AID CATEGORY AVG PER RECIPIENT 1st YR RECIPIENTS
INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS3 $13,602 100%
FEDERAL/NATIONAL GRANTS 3,811 59%
STATE & LOCAL GRANTS 2,731 16%
FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS 5,133 59%

AVERAGE AMOUNT RECEIVED PER RECIPIENT: $23,439
100% OF FULL-TIME FRESHMEN RECEIVED AID

* Most recent financial aid data available

ACCEPTANCE RATE: N/A

Acceptance Rate = The percentage of students admitted out of applications received in a given year.

 
ENROLLMENT: FALL 2022

UNDERGRADUATE FTE1 = 497

UNDERGRADUATE

FULL-TIME 471
PART-TIME 65

NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
APPLICATION: Required
ONLINE APPLICATION: Recommended
APPLICATION FEES: $50 (approximate)
HOME EXAM: Not Required
INTERVIEW: Recommended
ESSAY: N/A
SAT / ACT: Required
PORTFOLIO: Required
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: N/A
IELTS: Required if English is a second language
Minimum score 6
TOEFL: N/A

TRANSCRIPTS

HIGH SCHOOL: Not Required
COLLEGE: Required, if transferring
FACULTY: 2022-2023

FACULTY FTE1 = 32

FULL-TIME 26
PART-TIME 82
 

STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: FALL 2022
17.1 TO 1
FTE STUDENTS PER FTE FACULTY1

RETENTION

FRESHMAN RETENTION

FALL 2020 FRESHMEN
RETURNING IN FALL 2021
75%
 
FALL 2021 FRESHMEN
RETURNING IN FALL 2022
83%
GRADUATION

SIX-YEAR GRADUATION RATE

FALL 2015 FRESHMEN
GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS
 
64%
 
FALL 2016 FRESHMEN
GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS
 
65%

UNDERGRADUATE ETHNICITY

FALL 2022

UNDERGRADUATE GENDER DISTRIBUTION

FALL 2022

NEW STUDENT GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION2

FALL 2022
OTHER PROGRAMS

Advanced Professional Certificate
Continuing Education
High School / Pre College Programs
Summer Sessions

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Internship Required
Wide Range of Study Abroad Options
Access through Lesley University to: Academic Support Services, Athletics, Counseling, Health Services, Career Services, and a Multitude of Student Activities and Community Service Programs

NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc. NOTE 2: Geographic distribution is reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates. NOTE 3: Includes all institutional scholarships and grants, but does not include College Work Study or third party awards.